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Jalan Kayu Heritage Seminar conducted by ex-RAF airman Al Taylor

Al Taylor of the RAF 81 Squadron formerly based at the RAF Seletar Airbase came by Pei Hwa and conducted a seminar on Singapore's history during the Malayan Emergency and life at Seletar Base in the 1960s. Besides sharing with us his treasure trove of artefacts and photos, he also brought the JK Team on a walking trail through some of the old black and white houses which lay in a state of disrepair while awaiting refurbishment.

Singapore's last surviving Kampong is but a few kilometres away from Jalan Kayu. the Jalan Kayu Team brings you an exclusive interview with a long-time resident of this last kampong on mainland Singapore. The lady's name is "Chris" as she prefers to be known in this interview.

Q: How long have you been staying in the kampong?A: 34 years

Q: Is the property owned by you or rented from another?A: It is rented. The land is privately owned. The houses though were built by ourselves. So basically we would just rent the land from the owner but the cost of building the house falls onto us.

Q: Does this apply to all the residents or just you?A: All the residents rent the land and build their own houses

Q: What can you tell me about this kampong?A: In the past, about 10 years ago, a big developer made plans to buy over the land. I’m that the land wasn’t sold because if it was then this whole kampong would be gone.